Do after-school programs count for Child and Dependent Care Expenses?

[will3927]

Hi there,

I just wonder whether after-school programs such as piano lessons, volleyball, ballet, tennis and so on count for Child and Dependent Care Expenses. Because I sometimes work in the weekend and send my kid to one of those programs, so do these programs have to happen on weekdays after school or weekends are okay too? Do we have to provide the SSN/EIN of the care provider to file the expenses?

Thank you very much.

[JamesG1 · Accepted solution]

Child and dependent care expenses must be work related to qualify for the credit. Expenses are considered work related only if both of the following are true. 

• They allow you (and your spouse if filing jointly) to work or look for work. 
• They are for a qualifying person's care.

So programs which are weekend based are not necessarily disallowed.

This TurboTax Help states:

Expenses for before- and after-school care of a child in kindergarten or higher grade can be considered child care.

You must provide the Social Security number or Employer Identification Number of the care provider or your credit may be disallowed.

IRS Instructions for IRS Form 2441 (page 3) states:

Part I  Persons or Organizations Who Provided the Care 

Line 1 

Complete columns (a) through (e) for each person or organization that provided the care. You can use Form W-10, Dependent Care Provider's Identification and Certification, or any other source listed in its instructions to get the information from the care provider. If you don't give correct or complete information, your credit (and exclusion, if applicable) may be disallowed unless you can show you used due diligence in trying to get the required information.

@will3927 

[will3927]

This is a fantastic answer! Very clear and complete. Highly appreciate it! True expert.